Posted on Message Board by: jahchild
Date: Thursday, 28 August 2003, at 1:25 p.m.
garlic lowers blood pressure.
garlic lowers LDL Cholesterol.
garlic helps to reduce atherosclerotic buildup (plaque).
garlic helps to regulate blood sugar.
garlic helps to prevent blood clots from forming.
garlic helps to prevent cancer. It prevents the further growth of certain tumors while reducing the size of others.
raw garlic is a potent natural antibiotic.
garlic has anti-fungal and anti-viral properties.
garlic reduces yeast infections due to Candida species.
garlic has anti-oxidant properties.
garlic is a source of selenium.
( re/ selenium, here's this... from:
http://www.cc.nih.gov/ccc/supplements/selen.html#what Selenium: What is it?
Selenium is an essential trace mineral in the human body
(1). This nutrient is an important part of antioxidant enzymes that protect cells against the effects of free radicals that are produced during normal oxygen metabolism. The body has developed defenses such as antioxidants to control levels of free radicals because they can damage cells and contribute to the development of some chronic diseases
(2). Selenium is also essential for normal functioning of the immune system and thyroid gland (3-5).
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And...here's info from another site;
http://wvwv.essortment.com/benefitsofgar_rvrz.htm The benefits of garlic
Garlic (allium sativum) has been valued, for over 5,000 years, for its healing properties and its ability to increase the body's strength and energy.
Today, garlic is thought to help prevent heart disease, strokes and hypertension, but there is more to this herb than meets the eyes, or should I say nose.
The essential oils and other components of garlic have a strong antibiotic, antifungal and antiviral properties.
Garlic can help with the common cold, upset stomaches, infections and helps with the urinary system.
Using garlic for medicinal benefits is easy. Not only because of the size, but also because of the taste. You can add chopped raw garlic to cooked meats, poultry and vegetables.
You can immerse crushed garlic in oils for dressing or even pickle whole garlic cloves.
Garlic can also be made into a salve to help ease neuralgia, joint pains, sprains, corns and other skin afflictions.
How can the one of the worse smelling herbs do so much?
There is a sulfur agent found in garlic's essential oils that makes it a potent disinfectant and a good defense for killing germs in the body.
After garlic is ingested, it is absorbed into the bloodstream and then diffused through various organs.
Garlic is rich in essential oils, whose principal active agent is allicin.
This agent is responsible for the characteristic ordor of garlic as well as the healing properties.
Garlic also contains calcium, selenium , zinc and potassium.
It helps keep blood clots from forming in the blood vessels, and from having plaque building up in cornorary artieries.
For intestinal upsets, garlic's antibiotic qualities have been used to treat ulcers.
Eat 7-9 cloves of garlic throughout the day, either with milk or spread on butter. The agents work as a relaxer and keep the acids calmed down.
For infections, such as athlete's foot, skin infections and acne, place a freshly mashed garlic clove in a piece of cotton gauze and rub it over the affected areas.
Garlic is also essential for helping with colds.
Fresh garlic mixed with honey is an effective home remedy for colds, hoarseness and inflammation of the throat.
Use a garlic press to crush 1 oz. of fresh garlic cloves, mix with one cup of honey. let is sit for one hour to infuse the honey with the garlic's essential oils and then store in a cool place.
Take one to two tablespoons at the first signs of a cold and then repeat every hour thereafter.
If the worry about having bad breath or foul body odor because of using garlic, you can lessen this by chewing parsley, thyme or peppermint right after eating garlic.
How to pick the best garlic cloves?
Choose solid, firm bulbs. The outer skin should be taut, unbroken and white or light violet in color. Avoid bulbs that are soft or have damp spots. Keep garlic stored in a cool, dry place. I highly recommend a ceramic garlic keeper so air can circulate. Garlic may be kept then for several weeks.
Do avoid buying braids of garlic. Though they do look attractive, the bulbs usually spoil before the consumer gets any usage from them.
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